Forget the Traffic, Let’s Go to Minglanilla’s Matun-og Falls

Economic stability comes with a price. In Cebu’s case, it’s the still unresolved issue with regards to traffic. And what’s more depressing than this thought is the fact that we can’t complain about it since we are part of it. Hence pointing all those accusing fingers to the government. I used to do that. But I’m trying to fend off from it. Not only that it’s stressful, it also adds to the clamor inside the jeepney. Instead, I think of happy thoughts. I look outside the window and imagine what is in store for me on the other side of the highway.

Matun-og Falls (c) Dakilanglaagan

I have heard of Matun-og Falls a number of times. In fact, had time favored us, my friends and I could have set foot on the area after our Calbasaan Peak hike. To be honest, the said waterfalls didn’t ignite any interest in me. After seeing Masbate’s Catandayagan Waterfalls, I think I had enough of those chasing waterfalls escapade. However, odd as it may seem, there is wisdom upon the quote that goes: the mountains are calling and I must go. Only that it took the form of rivers and waterfalls this time.

The Gang. HAHAHAHA

Together with some colleagues, who were highly encouraged by a Music protégée, we then paid a visit to Matun-og Falls. Also with was the Basura Run founder, Sir Tony Galon, and two of his trail running buddies. The hike commenced past seven in the morning due to some… delays. HAHA.

Prayer before commencing with the hike

After an hour of dealing with sands and boulders, we were then welcomed by a 20-25 feet cascading waters. Mosses are growing abundantly on trails, signaling that very few have gone to such place.

Our guides for the day

Just when I thought we have found what we were looking for, Sir asked us to climb and see a better version of what we’ve seen. On top of the first level of the waterfalls are another two levels which looked very inviting to swim.

How to awra 101How to float 101Cascading waters 101Matun-og Falls second level

While the others were busy taking numerous photographs of the place, some took time to survey the area and found bonfire and trashes left by the local visitors. The group then started picking up plastic wrappers in the area and all through the rest of the hike. Sir Tony’s input on the importance of minimizing the use of plastics and its lasting impact in the environment made us realize the value that we have placed on these commodities.

After visiting Matun-og Falls, which by the way is a local term for the word “cold”(tun-og), our guides told us that we’d be visiting another waterfalls on the area – Kabugbugan Falls. The trail was somewhat similar in going to Matun-og, only that the boulders are slippery because of the mosses that amply grew on the area.

Potable water on trails

Yes, that’s the Kabugbugan Falls. Short and stout. HAHA. And just when were about to indulge into another photo op, Sir Dom asked if we wanted to discover the source of the water of the waterfalls. While the rest wanted to just stay and chill, there were some who got curious as well. And even with the very tactical and steep path, six of us manage to climb up Kabugbugan Falls and tried locating the source.

Falling in love with these natural lightsFarmer gathering ginger from the areaA glimpse of Kabugbugan Falls

Obviously, the trail was unexplored by many. In fact, I haven’t seen similar photos of it online. Sir Dom shared that it was, as well, his first time in the area even though they have been trailrunning these rivers for quite some time. Conversation went on until we heard a loud rush of water cascading. We continued blazing until we saw this.

It was one of the tallest waterfalls I’ve seen so far! Eager for more thrilling adventure and breathtaking spots, we climbed up and continued marveling the beauty set before us. As much as we wanted to proceed and climb its highest point to discover more, we were afraid that the remaining group might worry about us. Moreover, going up needs a more secure equipment – say harness and rock climbing ropes. But well, at least we have more reasons to go back.

We ended the half day activity by filling our stomach with caldereta, tinolang manok, and nilat-ang baka at Minglanilla market. Obviously, the group hasn’t get over with the activity yet, so we ended up still talking about our experiences in between spoonful of our meals. All in all, it was a great activity. Surely, there’s more to Cebu than what I have already explored. There’s more to the traffic that we usually face head on every day. And there’s more to life than the usual routine that we do.

I hope you get to plan your next adventure or travel the next time you get stuck in traffic. Channel your energies into something good, something productive. Be a stress-reliever instead of a stressor. HAHA. See you on trails!

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PERSONAL NOTE: For the safety of inexperienced visitors, I’d like to disclose some information in going to these waterfalls. But if you really wanted to visit these places, you can make some arrangements with the locals or those whom you knew who’ve visited the area. Again, this is for your safety and for the sustainability of the environment as well.